Obsessive-compulsive disorder (or OCD), as categorized by the DSM-IV, is an anxiety disorder. It is characterised by the obsessive need to perform some task. These tasks are often known as rituals. Note that the DSM-IV Axis IIObsessive-compulsive personality disorder is considerably different from obsessive-compulsive disorder, and is often what people mean when they refer to somebody as “obsessive-compulsive”.

Symptoms and prevalence

Today it is well-accepted that OCD is much more common than was thought previously. Typically 2–3 % of the general population is believed to have OCD or OCD-like symptoms.

In many cases the task that an OCD sufferer does may seem simple to the layperson, but the sufferer feels that he or she must perform it in some particular way for fear of dire consequences. Examples might include checking that one has locked one’s car many times over before leaving it parked, or turning the lights on and off a set number of times every time one leaves a room. Such a person, when addicted to cigarettes, may argue that he or she can only quitsmoking on the 13th or 27th of each month, and only when he or she possess four cigarettes at noon. Some people who have OCD may be completely aware that such obsessions are not rational, but feel bound to comply with them because otherwise they suffer from panic or irrational dread.

Obsessions are ideas that the person cannot stop thinking about. These are often fears about getting a disease, getting hurt, or causing harm to someone. The main features of obsessions are that they are automatic, frequent, upsetting or distressing, and difficult to control or get rid of. Compulsions refer to actions that the person performs, usually repeatedly, in an attempt to make the obsession go away. These are often cleansing or avoidance actions. Common compulsions include excessive washing and cleaning, checking, repetitive actions such as touching, counting, arranging and ordering, hoarding, ritualistic behaviours that lessen the chances of provoking an obsession. Compulsions can be observable actions, for example washing, but they can also be mental rituals such as, repeating words or phrases, counting, or saying a prayer.

Violence is rare among OCD sufferers, but the disorder is often debilitating to the quality of life. Also, the psychological self-awareness of the irrationality of the disorder can be painful. For people with severe OCD, it may take several hours a day to carry out the compulsive acts. More often, they avoid certain situations or places altogether.

Related Topics

References

The ADHD-Autism Connection: A Step toward more accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, by Diane M. Kennedy, ISBN 1578564980 (The aim of this book is to explore the similarities that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) shares with a spectrum of disorders currently known as pervasive developmental disorders.)